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| Childhood Lead Screenings |
IS MY CHILD AT RISK FOR A HIGH LEAD LEVEL?
Lead is found most commonly in homes built before 1960. Paint chips from the walls or windows end up on the floors and also in the window wells-household dust-in outdoor play areas-putting dirty toys in the mouth that may contain lead.
HOW DOES HIGH LEAD LEVELS AFFECT CHILDREN?
Lead has adverse effects on nearly all organ systems of the body and is especially harmful to the developing brains and nervous systems of children under the age of 6 years. At very high blood lead levels, children can have severe brain damage or even die.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF LEAD POISONING?
Many lead-poisoned children do not show any signs of the disease.
Some, however, may have the following symptoms:
• Easily excited
• Not able to pay attention
• Stomach aches
• More tired than usual
Lead-poisoned children may have learning and behavior problems, as they grow older. GET THEM CHECKED!!
CHICKASAW COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH wants to increase the awareness of lead poisoning to parents and encourages them to bring their children, aged 6 months to 6 years, into the office annually for this screening. There is no charge, as this is funded through Empowerment Grant. If you have any questions about this screening discuss them with your family physician or call our office at (641) 394-4053 or Toll Free: 1-800-579-5815. If interested in screening your child for lead poisoning, call the CHICKASAW COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH office to schedule a time for the lead screening. The lead screening may also be done during immunization clinic when you bring your child in for shots, just ask for the lead screening to also be done at that time.
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